^' 



OOIT OOREESPONDENCE 



OF 



18 7 1, 



OR THE 



ec0tti|riiii0|lewrattswiri 



BY 



THE CO IT FAMILY 



WORCESTER: 

PRINTED BY CHAS. HAMILTON, 

PALLADIUM OFFICE. 

1872. 






F1035 



THE COMMITTEE 



WOULD MOST RESPECTFULLY DEDICATE THIS VOLUME 



TO 



CAPTAIN S. H. PIKE. 



THE NOBLE COMMANDER OF THE STEAMER 



Uewj 'gxmxmnV 



PREFACE. 




To our " Coit Excursionists" and their Friends : 

EAR Friends, we again come before you in this, our 
fourth volume, containing the account of our annual trip 
for 1871. Having traveled over most of the route one 
year before, and having published a volume containing 
an account of the trip, of course we cannot enter into all the 
details of this our second trip on this route, without infringing 
somewhat upon that. There is, however, much of interest that 
might be told even in this our last visit to the "Queen's 
Dominions." 

Before giving our readers any description of our last excur- 
sion, allow us to state to you something of the interest that was 
so plainly manifest months previous to our starting. The three 
excursions previously had by the Coit Party, had made a very 
favorable impression on the public mind far and near ; and when 
the papers announced the fourth excursion, the letters, from all 
parts of the country, came pouring in, to make enquiry as to all 
the particulars connected with the same. Of course it was 
right that each new member who was to join the party, should 
understand all the particulars; therefore, it was the pleasant 
duty of the President of the Party to answer about one hundred 
letters, giving all the necessary information asked for. The 

decided success of the three former excursions was the cause 

1* 



VI PREFACE. 

of tMs enquiry and interest. The papers far aaid near had 
spoken in the highest terms of our party. The good manage- 
ment, the hearty receptions we were having wherever we went, 
the good order of the party, the happy time they were having, 
and the harmony and good fellowship that was always manifest 
among its members — would naturally create in the minds of 
many outsiders, a desire to get inside of the " ring." 

We could not charter a steamer large enough to accommodate 
all wlio had made up their minds that they would like to join 
such a party. The tickets were limited to three hundred ; and 
ten days before tlie time of starting every ticket was sold, and 
the cash in the hands of the treasurer. The announcement was 
made at that time, by the daily papers, that all the tickets had 
'been disposed of, and no more could possibly be accommodated. 
Still the letters came pouring in, filled witli the greenbacks, 
urging the importance of having the tickets returned by next 
mail. But the money, instead of tickets, had to be returned. 
More than one hundred and fifty persons had to undergo a 
severe disappointment for the want of more enlarged accommo- 
dations. The managers, of course, were extremely sorry that 
such should be their fate; but a promise to them of another 
excursion, soon to take place, under the management of equally 
as good men, who had chartered the same steamer, and were to 
Tiave the same gentlemanly Captain Pike and his subordinates, 
liad a tendency to make the disappointment of shorter duration. 

Suffice 'it to say, that the excursion, under the management of 
Geo. II. Peckham, Esq., former President of the "Coits," left 
Boston a few days after our return, and traveled over nearly the 
same ground. The company was composed of very influential 
ladies and gentlemen from different parts of the States. This 
trip was a .decided success, and gave the greatest satisfaction 



PREFACE. Vll 

to the whole company ; so much so that a iuU vote was taken to 
have another, one year from that time. 

And now, clear reader, having taken up so much of your time 
in these few preliminary items, I will proceed to give you a very 
brief account of our very pleasant journey of twelve days. 

It is not necessary that I enter into all the particulars ; neither 
shall I touch upon many points of interest to us. The letters 
published in the " Worcester Daily Gazette" at the time of this 
excursion, contained much of interest, and were written by one 
of our number, A. H. Davis, Esq., Head-Master of our High 
School. They are published in this volume ; by reading them you 
will be pleased and instructed ; and it will render it unnecessary 
for me to attempt a description that has been so well done by 
the above gentleman. 

We are under great obligations to that excellent lady and 
distinguished writer, Mrs. C. M. Sawyer, of College Hill, for the 
two excellent and appropriate poems, which we publish in this 
volume. 

THE START. 

It was a very pleasant sight at the Boston & Worcester depot 
on the morning of July 25th, 1871, when about two hundred 
and fifty persons met to proceed to Boston, to take the steamer 
Neiv Brunswick, for a twelve days' excursion. Such a grand 
hand-shaking, such happy faces, all beaming with joy, that they 
were about to start on another excursion similar to those before 
enjoyed by them. Many of the party were with us on our last 
excursions, and wherever Coit met Colt there was a mutual 
good will and hearty recognition. Leaving Worcester at 
6 a. m., we arrived in Boston at 8. We were soon on our way 
to the steamer, where we found our genial and warm-hearted 



Vlll PREFACE . 

Capt. Pike, ready to give us a hearty greeting. We also met 
about fifty others, who were waiting to join our number. 
Previoiis to starting "our own special artist" invited all who 
wished to have themselves photographed, with the boat, to 
make themselves conspicuous on deck-. The artist executed 
his part well, and on the whole, his picture makes quite a desira- 
ble reminder of days when we went sailing. 

Our most excellent band, the "Worcester Brass Band," T. C. 
Richardson, leader, gave us and the people assembled some rich, 
stirring music. The steam was up and away we glided down 
the harbor. The scenery was beautiful, and every heart was as 
full of enjoyment as it could be ; but alas ! it was of short dura- 
tion, for the " white heads " were soon visible, and the rocking 
and pitching of the steamer was not calculated to make those of 
us who were unused to a sea-voyage admire its beauty, or desire 
its long continuance. The upper decks were not as crowded as 
when we left Boston harbor. Eyes had become tired and heads 
dizzy by the wonderful sights; and so rest was sought in a 
more obscure retreat. To make the story short, it was dreadful 
rough sailing, with now and then a little fog. There were 
people who really enjoyed this trip to Portland, and called it 
delightful ! And so it may have been, for there must be some- 
thing wonderful and majestic in the heaving and rolling of the 
waters of old Neptune. For my part, I did n't see it just at that 
particular time. I think, however, that distance would have 
lent enchantment. 

During the voyage to Portland the usual arrangements had to 
be made for seats at the tables. As usual, the Company were 
divided into two sections, or first and second tables. Then the 
drawing for berths was an exciting occasion. Best of all, the 
selling of state-rooms afibrded the most amusement. Mr. 



PREFACE. IX 

Glazier, the auctioneer, and our head steward, was just the man 
for the occasion, and did his duty well. The price of the lowest 
state room sold was $15.00; that of the highest $56.00. Total 
amount realized for state rooms over $1,400. Making our whole 
receipts a little over $9,000. 

Arriving in Portland at 6 o'clock p. m., we all felt better. 
Every countenance began again to beam with joy — I said every 
one, but there was one exception : a lady who did not like follow- 
ing the sea, was determined that if she lived until morning, she 
would take the land route and return to her home in Worcester 
as quick as possible ; not even a night's lodging would she 
endure on board that steamer. Here is what one of the papers 
said about the matter: " One lady who started with the Coits 
has already returned home, finding herself not quite enough of a 
sailor to continue the voyage in comfort. The trip from Boston 
to Portland was unusually rough, and a gentleman on another 
steamer saw the Coit vessel, as he describes it, resting with the 
bow and stern on the tops of the waves and both paddle wheels 
out of water, spinning around like a pin wheel on the Fourth of 
July." Some of the above may be true, but the upright position 
of the boat and the pin wheel operation, I am inclined to think 
is a little stretched for the occasion. 

The reception of the Coits in Portland was all that could be 
desired by them. As we were steaming up the harbor guns 
were fired, steam whistles shrieked, and bells were rung. Mayor 
Kingsbury, with other distinguished citizens, met us at the 
wharf, with the Portland Brass Band, and invited us up to their 
splendid City Hall, where we were heartily welcomed to the city 
by the distinguished mayor. Speeches were made by the Presi- 
dent of the Coits, Gen. A. B. E. Sprague, Capt. Coyle of the 
International Line of Steamers, (our steamer, the New 



X PREFACE. 

Brunswick, being one of them), by Rev. Asa BuUard, Rev. Mr. 
Beal ^nd others. After the speech-making, the hall was put in 
order for the merry dance. The Portland people, with the Coit 
Party, spent the hours in the dance, and making each other's 
acquaintance. Our short stay in Portland was made very pleas- 
ant by the kind manner in which we were received by its 
citizens. "We shall long remember our very hearty inception by 
them. 

At 11 o'clock we started for the next port of destination, 
Eastport, Me. Here, as the year before, we were met by the 
people of tlie town and their greeting was cordial. The great 
event must be a dance in their Memorial Hall. The reunion 
was very pleasant, and speeches of congratulation were 
made by both parties, after which our band set the people to 
whirling. Eastport is a fine little town, "away down east," 
next to the British dominions. The people are sober, industri- 
ous, cordial and happy. 

We left Eastport Thursday noon, 27th inst., for Annapolis, 
N. S. — distance sdxty-nine miles from Eastport. Arrived at 
Annapolis at 7 p. m. The sea was rather rough but not so hard 
for us as the day before. We weathered the storm well, and 
heartily enjoyed the beautiful scenery as we neared the old city of 
Annapolis. This is one of the oldest places in Nova Scotia — 
early settled by the French, then by the English, again by the 
French, and lastly by the English. We were shown around the 
city, and given a very brief history of the same by Judge 
Cowley. A very interesting social gathering was held in our 
cabin, where the band, our choir and several speeches made the 
time pass very pleasantly away until it was time we were all abed, 
as we were to make a very early start for Halifax, by rail, in the 
morning. Arrangements had been made with the managers 



PREFACE. Xi 

of the railroad for an extra train, at half price ($4.00 each) for 
the round trip of 250 miles. 

The trip and scenery is so well described by our Correspon- 
dent "A. H. D. " that we will not attempt to do what is so well 
done. Suffice it to say that this was the most delightful part of 
our whole trip. Such scenery as spread itself out before us as 
we journeyed from Annapolis to Windsor, cannot be described. 
It will linger while life and reason are given us. 

From Windsor to Halifax was not to be compared with what 
we had just feasted our eyes on; the change was very great, — a 
dense forest was about all we could see until we reached Hali- 
fax. The harbor is one of the finest ; the older part of the city 
is a dark, dismal looking place. The citadel or fort, is beautiful 
for situation, and is really worth a visit ta any one who has not 
had the pleasure. For a description, I refer you to the letters 
published in this volume. The people are not so cordial as in 
St. John ; they looked and stared at us, and crossed over on the 
other side ; they seemed afraid we had come to take away their 
political rights, or were on a mission of annexation. Our recep- 
tion was rather of the cold shoulder kind. The great thing 
sought for first of all by our party was a dinner ; for it was noon 
when we arrived; and a ride of 125 miles with scarcely a 
mouthful of breakfast, made us feel as though that was what we 
needed most. Two hundred and fifty half-starved men and 
women seeking a place or places for food, was an interesting 
sight for the people of Halifax; we were not all fortunate 
enough to get all we wanted in that line ; for a famine com- 
menced in that city when we commenced on our half- rations, at 
double price. The people of Halifax were notified several 
weeks before, that we should make our appearance among them 
about this time, and should have made a little more preparation. 



XU PEEFACE. 

We spent most of our time in sight-seeing until 8 o'clock p. m., 
when we started for our steamer at Annapolis. A jolly time we 
had until we arrived at headquarters, at 1 o'clock next morning. 
This morning, July 29th, at 6 o'clock our steamer started for 
St. John, N. B., a distance of fifty miles, and but for a heavy fog 
we should have arrived before 11 a. m. On our arrival we were 
greeted by the people of St. John, and their stores were flung 
wide open, ready to sell their goods at a much less price than we 
were accustomed to pay. Magee's, the heaviest dry goods house, 
was the favorite resort for our people; of course not being 
permitted to take goods home with us without paying duty, 
we only looked at the goods and enquired the price. There was 
one article that we did feel at liberty to bu}^ freely; that was 
gloves, nearly all having at least one pair and some several ; our 
purchases were not very heavy. In the evening we had one of 
the best social gatherings it was ever our good fortune to attend. 
Our cabin was literally packed with people ; and many were un- 
able to gain admittance. The people of St. John were very cor- 
dial and gave us a good reception. The speeches that were made 
were earnest, grand and fraternal. It is seldom any assembly 
is called upon to listen to au}'^ better. In absence of mayor 
Eeed, O. D. Wetmore, Esq., made the welcome-speech. It was 
one of his best and came from a warm heart. Speeches followed 
by Revs. Messrs. McKey, Carey and Dodd of St. John, Prof. 
Dellissier and Messrs. W. K. Reynolds, Barclay and Irvine. 
These were responded to by our President and Rev. Messrs. 
Boardman and Beal, our chaplains. In this place we spent the 
Sabbath ; the day was warm, foggy and muggy. In the morn- 
ing, services were held on board our steamer. Rev. S. L. Beal 
preached a good sermon from John 8: 12. " I am the light of 
the world." Rev. Mr. Beal was assisted in the service by Rev. 



PREFACE. Xlll 

Mr. Boardman. After the service our people scattered through- 
out the city to the different churches. In the evening, services 
were again held on board our steamer ; so great was the crowd, 
that we were obliged to hold our meeting on the upper deck. 
Thousands of people of the city filled the platforms of the docks. 
The sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Boardman, one of our 
chaplains; assisted in the services by some of the St. John 
clergymen. The services throughout were very interesting. 

Monday, July 31st, was spent in St. John; the day was 
occupied in sight-seeing, looking at goods and perhaps buying a 
few more pairs of gloves. Our stay was made very pleasant and 
agreeable by the hearty reception the people gave us wherever 
we went. In the evening another large gathering was held in 
our steamer's cabin. A large number of the people of the city 
were present; speeches, singing, and our band, all made the 
meeting one of pleasure and interest. I must not fail to mention 
one speech which was calculated to stir a little ill feeling against 
the man who made it. 

One Mr. Willis, a member of parMament, considering himself 
^•' some pumpkins " let off a tirade of abuse against our Govern- 
ment; and intimated that we, the " Coits," had come down to 
their dominions to abuse the Queen, and seek to annex her 
territory to our United States. The speech was much out of 
place, uncalled for, and only bounded back on the head of him 
who made it. With this slight deviation, all went off like clock 
work. We shall never forget the cordial welcome we have re- 
ceived from our friends in St. John during two visits we have 
made to that beautiful city ; we hope at no distant day to meet 
them again. 

We left St. John for Eastport at 12 o'clock this Monday night : 
We were now homeward bound. Arrived in Eastport at 6 a. m. 



XIV PKEFACE. 

Tuesday morning. We heard of no sea-sickness during this 
short trip. Stayed nearly all day at this place and enjoyed it 
very much. 

Left at 7 p. m. for Bangor, Me., a distance of 136 miles. 
Arrived in Bangor at 3.30 p. m. of Wednesday, August 2nd; we 
were detained several hours in a dense fog when near Bass 
Harbor. 

We were cordially received by the citizens of Bangor, headed 
by that noble man, now deceased, mayor Dale. A train of cars 
had been for hours in waiting to convey our party to " Old- 
town," where we might get large ideas as to what the people 
know about lumbering. Our arrival being too late to run the 
train so as not to interfere with other trains, we were obliged to 
abandon that part of the programme that had been gratuitously 
offered by the mayor of the city of Bangor. 

There were quite a number of our party who were provided 
with a small steamer, by the same generous-hearted Mayor ; and 
were thus enabled to reach Oldtown. 

Thursday, August 3d, at 3.30 p. m., found us in the beautiful 
and quiet city of Gardiner, Me. Here the whole people came 
out to greet us. Johnson's Hall, one of the largest in the city, 
was freely opened for us. The mayor, D. C. Palmer, invited us 
to the hall. With our band, we were soon in line, headed by 
the mayor of Gardiner, and other distinguished citizens. We 
were soon gathered in the hall. A speech of welcome was 
made by the mayor, and responded to by the President of the 
Coits. Other speeches were made, after which the floor was 
put in order for the merry dance. The crowd was so great that 
it was a difficult task. Our String Band furnished the music, and 
a general good time was had. Soon we were invited to tables 
well loaded with good things for the physical growth of 



PREFACE. XV 

man. We felt sorry that we should be thus kindly treated, for 
it is no small matter to provide for three hundred people on so 
short a notice, and do so well as the people of Gardiner did. 
We shall always feel a debt of gratitude to these people for 
their hospitality. 

Friday, August 4th, at 12 noon, we left the people of Gardiner 
for Portland, where we arrived at 6 p. m. Another greeting 
awaited us here. The mayor, with other distinguished citi- 
zens, met us on our arrival, and desired to give us another re- 
ception. We respectfully declined the honor — first, because it 
was asking or taking too much after the grand reception given 
us by this people on the first night of our excursion; secondly, 
we were near home after living upon the top wave of excite- 
ment for ten or eleven days, and were about tired out. We 
left Portland for Boston at 4 p. m., and arrived in Boston 
Saturday, August 5th, at 8 a. m. Here we were put through a 
thorough searching process by the Custom House officers of 
Boston. Our baggage was all placed upon the dock ; we were 
marshaled into line by the police ; each in turn had to fill out a 
blank of the number of bags, trunks, valises, bundles, &c., that 
he had. All must be registered by an officer, who was in 
no great hurry about the matter. The paper was then put into 
the hands of another Custom House official, who proceeded to 
examine the several parcels to see that " Uncle Samuel" should 
not be cheated by having goods smuggled into Boston harbor. 
We were kept in line about four long hours, going through this 
sweating process, in a drizzling rain. You may well believe we 
were not greatly in favor of that way of doing business. It 
might have been done with much less trouble to both our party 
and the United States officials. The whole amount confiscated 
for all this trouble was one velvet vest pattern — cost, perhaps, 



XVI PREFACE. 

$5.00! This was the only hinderance and imposition we had 
found during our entire trip. 

We were soon on our winding way to the city of Worcester, 
thankful that so much of pleasure had been enjoyed by our 
large party. 

FAMILY MEETING- 

The Coit family had long desired a reunion in order that they 
might hear the report of the several committees, to see what 
our financial standing was. Accordingly, a meeting was called 
for the 18th of last December. Although a stormy night, there 
were assembled in Sons of Temperance Hall, more than one 
hundred and fifty of the Coit Family. A good social time was 
had, after which the President, W. Mecorney, called the meet- 
ing to order and made a short address of welcome. Barnard & 
Eichardson's String Band was present and gave some of their 
good music. Several speeches were made, all tending to an- 
other excursion for 1872. Ofiicers were chosen and committees 
appointed having that in view. 

The following are the officers for 1872 : President, Wm. 
Mecorney, of Worcester ; Vice President, 0. P. Maynard, of West 
Brookfield; Secretary, George E. Stearns, of Worcester; Treas- 
urer, Gen. A. B. R. Sprague, of Worcester; Stewards, Henry 
Glazier, T. W. Davis and Henry Streeter, of Worcester ; Sur- 
geons, Drs. E. Schofield, of Worcester, and George F. Forbes of 
West Brookfield; Chaplains, Revs. M. B. Boardman, of Brim- 
field, and S. L. Beal, of Westminster; Auditors, Dr. Curtis, of 
Westborough, E. W. Carter and M. M. Garfield, of Worcester. 

Resolutions were passed on the death of Geo. W. Allen, of 
West Brookfield, one of the partj of 1871 ; also, upon the death 



PREFACE. XVll 

of Mayor Dale, of Bangor, Me. , who so heartily bade us welcome 
to the beautiful city of Bangor. 

Letters were read from several of the absent ones. Two 
poems were also read from Mrs. C. M. Sawyer, of College Hill, 
who was one of our party. The poems are published in this 
volume. 

Our treasurer, Gen. A. B. E. Sprague, made his report, show- 
ing a balance after paying all bills of about $300. This balance 
was left in the hands of the treasurer, for a fund to get up an- 
other excursion with the coming summer. 

One encouraging feature of all our excursions is, that we al- 
ways have funds left, which is far better than being in debt or 
being obliged to assess our members to make up deficiencies. 
Success has always attended these excursions. Not an accident 
has ever happened to mar our enjoyment. No unkind words 
have passed between any members of the party, and but very 
little grumbling has been heard. We have reason to thank 
that Higher Power who has watched over us, protected and 
cared for us. May we love Him more and serve Him better. 

W. M. 



2* 



Officers of S 



FFiCERs OF Steamer. 



CAPTAIN : 

SIMON H. PIKE, LuBEC, Me. 

PILOT : 

LEONAKD S. GRANT, Eockland, Me. 

CHIEF engineer; 
THOMAS MERRILL, Chelsea, Mass. 

SECOND engineer: 
JAMES H. MERRITT, Portland, Me. 

CHIEF mate: 
JOHN THOMPSON, Portland, Me. 

SECOND mate: 
JAMES THOMPSON, Eastport, Me. 

STEWARD : 

WILLIAM E. LEONARD, Braintree, Mass. 



M.EMBERS OF THE BaND. 



LEADER : 

T. C. RICHARDSON. 

JOHN EIEDL, 

WM. H. HEYWOOD, 

T. F. GOODWIN, 

G. H. SMITH, 

A. A. BICKNELL, 

C. A. PAKKEE, 

M. KIEDL, 

e. l. barnard, 
h. w. batcheller, 

otis a. gates, 

t: w. snow, 

edwd. hartwell, 

H. A. LIBBY. 



Officers of the Party. 



PRESIDENT : 

WM. MECORNEY. 

VICE president: 
O. p. MAYNARD. 

secretary. 
GEORGE E. STEARNS. 

TREASURER : 

Gen. a. B. R. SPRAGUE. 

STEWARDS : 

HENRY GLAZIER, 
HENRY STREETER, 
THOMAS W. DAVIS. 

surgeons : 

Dr. EDWIN SCHOFIELD, 
Dr. GEORGE F. FORBES. 

chaplains : 
Rev. M. B. BOARDMAN, 
Rev. S. L. BEAL. 

auditors : 

Dr. WM. CURTIS, 
E. W. CARTER, 
M. M. GARFIELD. 



NAMES OF THE PARTY. 



E. E. ABBOTT Worcester. 

HORACE ARMSBY Millbury. 

LEWIS ARMSBY " 

WILLIAM P. ALLEN " 

Miss A. ALBEE Marlborough. 

Misses ARNOLD " 

GEORGE H. ANDREWS Boston. 

Mrs. C. S. ALDRICH Webster. 

SAMUEL ALDRICH 

DANIEL ALLEN West Brookfleld. 

Mrs. DANIEL ALLEN " 

GEORGE ALLEN " 

Mrs. GEO. ALLEN " 

Rev. SAMUEL J. AUSTIN Warren. 

JULES M. BURNS Boston. 

Rev. M. B. BOARDMAN Brimfield. 

A. BURKE Worcester. 

Mrs. SARAH BEMIS " 

JOSEPH BOYDEN " 

J. E. BENCHLEY " 

ISAAC A. BANCROFT " 

Rev. S. L. BEAL Westminster. 

WILLIAM P. BRIGHAM Marlborough. 

Mrs. WILLIAM PITT BRIGHAM ... " 



24 COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 

P. G. BOYNTON. Worcester. 

L. B. BEALEY Westborough. 

Mrs. J. P. BROWN " 

W. G. BUTTERWORTH Warren. 

HARRLETTE N. BAKER Boston. 

W. H. BARNES. 

Mrs. W. H. BARNES " 

C. BARNES . • " 

Mrs. E. E. BARNES Marlborough. 

JAMES BROADBENT Worcester. 

Mrs. JAMES BROADBENT " 

Mrs. ELLA M. BAKER Westminster. 

Master J. ARTIE BAKER 

ADIN G. BAKER 

Mrs. D. a. BUSH Springfield. 

L. W. BROWNING Hubbardston. 

G. A. BAILEY Brookfield. 

JOSEPH BOYD Marlborough. 

Mrs. JOSEPH BOYD ^ 

G. W. BABBITT Brookfield. 

ETTA M. BRIGHAM • •. • • Marlborough. 

GEORGE A. BRIGHAM ► 

EDWARD BARNES, M. D 

Mrs. EDWARD BARNES 

Miis E. A. BRIDGES 

Miss HARRIET BAKER 

N. A. BOYNTON New York. 

Miss E. A. BATCHELDER Whitinsville. 

Mrs. M. a. BATCHELDER 

E. W. CARTER Worcester. 

Mrs. E. W. CARTER 



COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 25 

Mrs. a. F. COOK Worcester. 

W. F. CHASE Boston, 

Mrs. H. C. COOK 

AGNETHE C. CLAUSEN Charlestownv 

E. CHAFFIN . Worcester. 

Mrs. E. CHAFFIN " 

D. B. CUMMINGS " 

H. F. COLE 

LEWIS CUTTING Oakdale. 

.WILLIAM CURTIS Westborough. 

Mrs. C. M. CURTIS 

S. B. CORBIN Worcester. 

S. G. CONGDEN 

Mrs. S. G. CONGDEN 

JOEL CHENEY Southbridge. 

T. E. CHAPIN North Brookfleld. 

Mrs. T. E. CHAPIN 

N. B. CHASE Wilkinsonville. 

A. A. COPELAND Worcester. 

C. W. CARSWELL Woburn. 

Mrs. C. W. CARSWELL. 

D. F. CRITCHERSON Boston. 

AUSTIN CUTLER Springfield. 

JOEL CHENEY Southbridge. 

JOHN H. CUNNINGHAM. ....... Charlestown. 

CALVIN CLISBEE . • Marlborough. 

Mrs. CALVIN CLISBEE 

B. F. COLBURN South Dedham. 

PERRY DEAN. Norwich, Conn. 

Miss SUSIE W. DANFORTH Worcester. 

CHARLES DENNIS " 

3 



26 COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 

Mrs. SUSIE DEARBORN Worcester. 

A. H. DAVIS • . . 

A. M. DAVENPORT Westborough. 

M. DAY Webster. 

DICKINSON Fitchburg. 

THOMAS W. DAVIS Boston. 

Mrs. THOMAS W. DAVIS " 

GEORGE W. DAVIS 

Miss LILA DAVIS Belcbertown. 

GEORGIE H. DAVIS Springfield. 

WILLIAM F. EAGER Marlborough. 

L. R. EDGERTON Natick. 

Mrs. L. R. EDGERTON 

W. H. FITTON Worcester. 

ABRAHAM FAY Northborough. 

Miss G^IACE A. S. FAY Worcester. 

WILLIAM FOSTER Oxford. 

A. J. FISHER Orange. 

Mrs. a. J. FISHER 

ABIJAH FRENCH. 

Mrs. ABIJAH FRENCH 

O. D. FORBES Newton Centre. 

JOSEPH H. FAIRBANKS Westborough. 

G. D. FAIRBANKS Boston. 

Miss S. S. FENDERSON 

L. L. FITTS Springfield. 

Miss BESSIE D. FREEMAN Provincetown. 

C. L. FAY Marlborough. 

Mrs. C. L. FAY " 

GEORGE E. R. FARNUM Boston. 

0. D. FORBES " 



COIT COREESPONDENCE. 27 

0. G. FOWLE Stonehara. 

MARK FAY Marlborough. 

Mrs. mark FAY " 

JOHN A. FRYE " • 

Mrs. JOHN A. FRYE *' 

Miss FREEMAN • " 

Miss JULIA GREENWOOD Worcester. 

JULIUS GODDARD " 

CHARLES GLEASON " 

HENRY GLAZIER 

WILLIAM S. GOULDING. Oswego, N. Y. 

NELLIE S. GOULDING '' *' 

CARLOS M. GAGE Warren. 

LIZZIE A. GILMORE Springfield. 

Miss NELLIE H. GREEN Shrewsbury. 

JOHN HILLARD Worcester. 

Mrs. JOHN HILLARD 

C. H. HARDWICK Quincy. 

Mrs. C. H. HARDWICK '^ 

Miss LIZZIE HARDWICK. . .' '' 

S. A. HOWLAND ' Worcester. 

Miss E. A. HOWLAND 

THOMAS HARROP " 

A. HINDS West Boylston. 

Mrs. a. hinds 

HENRY F. HARRIS Oakdale. 

L. M. HARRIS 

Miss MARY F. HARRIS " 

C. M. HARRIS « 

Mrs. C. M. HARRIS " 

Miss EMMA HARRIS " 



2S COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 

CHARLES A. HUSSEY Marlborougli. 

G. M. HOWE Oxford. 

Mrs. PHEBE A. HALL Southbriclge. 

Mrs. alba HOUGHTON, Jr Worcester. 

FRANK E. HIGGINS 

JOHN HOMAN Westborough. 

CHARLES S. HENRY '^ 

L. F. HOVEY Boston. 

P. HARBACH Worcester. 

LYMAN W. HOWE Marlborougli. 

Mrs. LYMAN W. HOWE 

GEORGE H. HOWARD West Brookfield. 

W. E. HOBBS 

H. C. HARRINGTON Worcester. 

D. M. HEMENWAY Westborough. 

F. E. HIGGINS " 

SARA HOUGHTON Worcester. 

Mrs. C. C. HOUGHTON '« 

L. N. HOLTON " 

Mrs. L. N. HOLTON " 

Mrs. a. HOUGHTON " 

HENRY HAMAN Webster. 

ELBRIDGE HOWE Marlborough. 

Mrs. S. HOWE " 

Mrs. E. HOWE " 

Miss MARY HOLMAN " 

Mrs. a. HANSON AVest Brookfield. 

Miss, ELLA M. JESSUP Westfield. 

WILLARD JONES Worcester. 

Mrs. W. JONES " 

IRA W. JONES '< 



COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 29 

C. C. JOHNSON Quincy. 

Mrs. C. C. JOHNSON 

FRANK JILLSON Webster. 

Miss H. KNIGHT Worcester. 

WILLIAM KNOWLES " 

Mrs. WILLIAM KNOWLES " 

JOSEPH F. KNOWLTON Shrewsbury. 

H. W. KNIGHT Orange. 

Mrs. H. W. KNIGHT 

HERBERT J. KNOWLTON Worcester. 

JOHN F. KNOWLTON " 

F. A. KNOWLTON " 

J. KNOWLTON '< 

J. KNOWLTON 

H. B. LEWIS Westfield. 

LEWIS A. LELAND Boston. 

DAYID LARCOME 

PHEBE A. LEONARD College Hill. 

C. B. LEONARD 

L. A. LELAND Westborough. 

WILLIAM LUCAS Worcester. 

F. M. LOVERING " 

Mrs. GEORGE LOUD Marlborough. 

R. N. MERRIAM Worcester. 

Mrs. R. N. MERRIAM " 

Miss E. J. MERRIAM " 

Miss ADDIE B. MOORE " 

Mrs. E. morgan " 

M. MUNROE " 

WILLIAM MECORNEY " 

Mrs. WILLIAM MECORNEY " 

3* 



30 COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 

Miss J. MILES Westminster. 

D. C. MILES 

C. E. MITCHELL Quincy. 

Miss LIZZIE MITCHELL " 

Mrs. C. E. MITCHELL " 

O. P. MAYNAED West Brookfleld. 

Mrs. 0. P. MAYNAED " 

EICHAED MONTAGUE Westborough. 

Mrs. C. p. MIEICK 

LEWIS L. MOEEIS New York City. 

LEANDEE MAYNAED Shrewsbury. 

OTIS L. MANSON Worcester. 

HAEEIET E. MANSON 

J. J. MUEPHY - *' 

G. MILLEE '• 

JOSEPH MANNING Marlborough. 

Mrs. JOSEPH MANNING " 

AETEMAS MEEEIAM Westminster. 

Mrs. S. H. MEEEIAM 

Miss IDA MEEEIAM 

Miss MAEY MUEPHY Worcester. 

E. W. NOEWOOD Brimfield. 

NATHAN OLDS Hartford, Conn. 

ALBEET OLDS " " 

WILLIAM ONTHANK Marlborough. 

Miss H. E. OBEE Beverly Farms. 

F. F. PHELPS Worcester. 

HOEATIO PHELPS " 

Mrs. HOEATIO PHELPS 

LENOEA E. PEEEY " 

W. H. PIEECE " 



COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 31 

LEVI PEIRCE Worcester. 

Mrs. LEVI PEIRCE 

WILLIAM D. PROUTY «' 

ANN S. PROUTY " 

Miss MARY E. PROUTY " 

Miss ALICE M. PROUTY " 

A. S. POTTER Boston. 

L. RUSSELL Worcester. 

Mrs. JOHN RICE Northborougli. 

FRED. S. RICE Marlborough. 

ANSON RICE Northborough. 

ANGIE W. RICKER Quincy. 

WILLIAM A. RICE Boston. 

JOHN RICHARDS Worcester. 

R. R. ROBINSON 

J. A. RILEY Leicester. 

Dr. J. H. ROBINSON Southborough. 

Mrs. C. K. ROBINSON " 

Master FRANK H. ROBINSON ... '' 

Master DICK S. ROBINSON 

JONAS RICE Westborough. 

GEORGE E. STEARNS Worcester. 

Mrs. GEORGE E STEARNS " 

Mrs. LUCY SAWIN ........... " 

Miss SPAULDING • . Webster. 

GEORGE A. SMITH Norwich, Conn. 

W. E. SAUNDERS Cambridge. 

EDWIN B. SMITH Westfleld. 

ALLIE K. SAWYER College Hill. 

EDWIN SCHOFIELD Worcester. 

A. B. R. SPRAGUE " 



32 COIT CORKESPONDENCE. 

D. W. SHEPARD Warren. 

Mrs. SARAH C. SCHOEIELD .... New York City. 

Miss LIZZIE A. SMITH Woburn. 

W. J. STEARNS Clinton. 

CHARLES C. SIBLEY Westborough. 

Mrs. C. M. SAWYER College Hill. 

HERBERT E. STRATTON . Gardner. 

THOMAS STOTT • Worcester. 

Mrs. THOMAS STOTT 

JENNIE STOTT " 

HENRY A. STREETER «• 

WALTER E. STRATTON " 

S. B. SMITH Springfield. 

JAMES J. SMITH Chelsea. 

Miss JULIA SIBLEY Southbridge. 

Z. SMITH Springfield. 

Mrs. Z. smith 

Mrs. A. E. SMITH . Leicester. 

D. W. SHEPARD Warren. 

J. J. SMITH Boston. 

Mrs. J. J. SMITH 

W. J. SWIET Marlborough. 

CHARLES A. SAWIN Hartford, Conn. 

EDWARD A. TALBOT Boston. 

ELISHA TOLMAN, Jr Worcester. 

MONSIEUR TEDDY Sharon, Vt. 

JOHN TOGUS • 

N. S. TAFT • • • Worcester. 

J. B. TYLER, M. D Northampton. 

ISAIAH WHITE Quincy. 

Mrs. ISAIAH WHITE " 



COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 33 

Mrs. prudence UTLEY Leicester. 

J. WHITE Boston. 

Mrs. J. WHITE " 

Miss WHITE " 

JAMES J. WARREN Brirafield. 

MARY E. WARREN " 

ELLEN E. WARREN " 

MARY W. WARREN " 

FANNIE E. WARREN 

JOHN M. WARREN 

Mrs. EMORY L. WOOD Westborough. 

W. H. WILLARD Worcester. 

HARRIE A. WILLARD " 

H. H. WILLIAMS " 

Mrs. RUTH WILLARD " 

RICHARD A. WILLIAMSON RocMale. 

Miss LIZZIE WRIGHT Marlborough. 

Miss WOOD " 

Miss MARY E. WHITING Oakdale. 

CHARLES F. WHEELOCK .... South Dedham. 

Miss ELLA WILLIAMS Springfield. 

J. D. WILLIAMS Hubbardston. 

Mrs. J. D. WILLIAMS ....... 

L. WILLIAMS. 

Mrs. L. WILLIAMS 

Miss ABBIE WILLIAMS 

Miss Susie M. WILLIAMS 

Miss ALIDA WILLIS ........ College Hill. 

C. H. WEBBER Salem. 



COIT COIIRKSPONDENCE 

OF 

18 7 1. 



Originally published in the Worcester Evening Gazette. 



Salt and Fresh Water— A Pallid Family— What Happened at 
Portland— Great Expectations. 




At Sea, ofk Mt. Desert, July 2(), 1871. 

^rillE great (Joit Family has traveled under a cloud 
thus far. At this moment, 10 a. m., the East 
wind is working his bellows in spite of King 
iEolus, and Jupiter Pluvius, unmannerly lout, is 
pouring cold water upon us with the evident intention of 
drowning us out. Neptune, either dead or indifferent, 
nowhere shows his placid phiz above the surface of the 
water, though multitudes of (w)retched beings have been 
unceasing in their sacrifices to him night and day. Stat 
imniotus — he won't budge, he has no bowels. Meanwhile 
we go up — up — up; and then, with a gentle, swan-like 
motion, down — down — doicn, fetching up with a lurch 
and a die-away sensation too beautiful to be described. 



36 COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 

Coits of the pluckier sort are huddled and perched 
together in every available place of shelter, looking out 
from beneath slouched and dripping hats with dubious, not 
to say morose expressions upon their faces. Within, "the 
human form divine " ai3pears in a variety of limp attitudes 
and its face is lugubrious. In the lady's cabin there is "a 
sea of trouble," but no disposition to "take up arms." 
But as ISTero fiddled when Rome was burning, and gay 
young men and maidens caroused while the pestilence 
wasted Florence, so in the saloon of the steamer New 
BruiisvAck to-day, the sounds of wind and stringed instru- 
ments blend with the groans of the sea-sick and the tur- 
moil of the elements. 

An excellent table was spread, and the trumpet was 
sounded ; but there was no rush. Soup, roast beef and 
boiled halibut have attractions, no doubt ; but there ai'e 
higher objects of thought, and the great Coit family was 
thinking of something else. This state of things is not 
to be regarded as a calamity, like the appearance of the 
Colorado beetle ; for if it continues it must inevitably 
lighten the expenses and swell the dividend. For the 
present there is, I fancy, a preponderance of misery on 
board ; but we expect to get rid of it all at Eastport, and 
to pursue om* way under more favorable auspices. 

This great family is so thoroughly disciplined, and its 
affairs are so efRciently handled, that, excepting the 
weather, nothing has gone awiy. Quitting Boston at 1 



COIT COERESPONDENCE. 37 

we steamed directly for Portland, and just at the designated 
hour, 6 p. M., were passing the islands and forts which 
stud the beautiful harbor of the Forest City. At the 
wharves, Mayor Kingsbury and citizens, accompanied by 
Chandler's Band, were in waiting. His Honor at once 
invited the excursionists to the City Hall, where a large 
number of ladies and gentlemen were assembled to greet 
the Massachusetts visitors. After a pleasant address from 
the Mayor, to which President Mecorney appropriately 
responded, and a few remarks from Gen. Sprague, Capt. 
Coit and others, a hop was extemporized which must needs 
come to an untimely end by a summons to the boat. 
Promptly again, on the stroke of 11, the New Bruyiswick 
stole off, and before morning, had well ni^ groped her 
way to where my letter began. 

On the whole, there is good reason to predict a successful 
excursion. The state-rooms sold briskly at an average 
of forty dollars per room — the whole amount realized by 
their sale being $1,385, nearly $400 more than last year. 

Then, too, the Coit Family is, or is bound to be, a select 

party — in a sort of Darwinian sense at least. The great 

principle of "natural selection" or the "survival of the 

strongest " is here perfectly exemplified. How many will 

survive in the present " struggle for life," if this weather 

holds, it would puzzle the best developed ape in existence, 

be he Darwin or somebody else, to tell. At all events, 

this company admires itself, and if the spirit of the 

4 



38 COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 

original monkey from whom we have all descended (or 
ascended ?) hovers over us in the drizzly air, I know he 
must be wagging his tail with satisfaction. 

A. H. D. 



Arrival at Eastport— A Foggy Crew— A Municipal Welcome— 
Coits and Cod Lines. 



Eastport, Maine, July 27, 1871. 

m^HE Coit party reached Eastport last evening at 6 
o'clock; and in spite of the diizzle, found the 
wharf and adjoining woodpiles covered with a 
dense throng, who nearly lifted the fog with their 
shouts of welcome. Discontented occupants of beds in 
the infernal regions flocked to the Passamaquoddy House, 
and begged for one night's blissful repose ; but the pre- 
siding demon was inexorable, and sent them back wailing 
to their own place of torment. This large and handsome 
hotel was first opened for guests last season. It is most 
excellently kept by the proprietor, Mr. Elisha Taft, and 
during the summer months has seldom an empty room. 



COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 39 

Among the permanent boarders the register records names 
from Boston, Salem, New York, and one, at least, from 
Worcester — Mr. William Sumner — who is here with a 
yacht, and who brings the same intense enthusiasm to salt 
water sports that distinguishes him in the musical world. 

The citizens of Eastport had made extensive prepara- 
tions to entertain the Coits. The whole party were in- 
vited to Memorial Hall, which was found spacious enough 
for a large company of dancers and a larger one of specta- 
tors. The Chairman of the Selectmen, in behalf of his 
townspeople, bade us welcome in a neat speech. Messrs. 
Mecorney and Maynard responded. The gas " shone on 
fair women and brave men." "The light fantastic toe"(s) 
were aching to trip. "Music arose with its voluptuous 
swell," and straightway the whirls, genuflections, and be- 
wildering entanglements of the dance began, and only 
ravelled out in the "wee sma' hom's." 

" No sleep till morn, when youth and pleasure meet 
To chase the glowing hours with flying feet." 

This mornmg the clouds have scattered and brought 
back the sun. How thfe waters sparkle ! There is general 
rejoicing, and some heathen shouts — "three cheers for the 
Sun ! " A score of boats have shot out into the bay, laden 
with Coits and cod lines. Several sailing parties are coast- 
ing about the harbor and along the shores of Campobello. 
In a word, our recovery is complete. No sick mortal 



40 



COIT COERESPONDENCE. 



among us wishes to be set ashore, or to be sent home, or 
to go down into the briny deep. 

The annual pea bee has just come off. Last year twelve 
bushels escaped from their shells in thirty minutes. This 
morning the ladies have liberated the same number in 
twenty minutes. 

Richardson's full band is giving a grand out-door con- 
cert on Water street. I must be there to see. 

At precisely 12 m. we start for Annapolis, N. S. — n five 
hours' run. 

A. H. D. 



Leaving Eastport— Arrival at Annapolis. 



Annapolis, N. S., July 28, 1871. 

ROMPTLY at 1 2 m. we steamed away from East- 
port, breathing balmy air, and bathed in glorious 
sunshine. We quickly glide by Campobello, other- 
wise called Fenian a, then Grand Menan, leave a 
pack of wolves on our left, and steer directly across the 
mouth of the Bay of Fundy. We are soon enveloped in 




COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 41 

fog rolled in from the great fog manufactory below by a 
stiff southerly breeze, but the tide is in our favor and the 
horrors of sea sickness are averted. At length we reach 
Digby Gut, 60 miles from Eastport, a narrow strait with 
bold headlands, constituting the entrance to Annapolis 
Basin and river. From here to Annapolis, 15 miles, the 
most charming rural sceneiy meets our eyes on either bank. 
Pretty cottages line the shores and green fields stretch 
away to mountain ranges in the back grounds. Peaceful 
and picturesque — it is the very Acadia of our imagination. 

Nearing Annapolis about 7 p. m. our band startles the 
inhabitants and brings them all to the wharf. They num- 
ber about 600 souls, and are mainly farmers. Their town 
is the oldest settlement in the province and the oldest in 
America after St. Augustine. It was founded by the 
French in 1605, and named Port Royal. During the 17th 
century it was now under French, and now under English 
rule, tossed back and forth like a foot ball, according to the 
varying fortunes of war. In 1710 it came finally into 
British possession and was named Annapolis Royal in 
honor of Queen Anne. 

The one interesting feature of the place is the ruins of 

the old French fort. Its ramparts no longer bristle with 

cannon, and it is many a day since either French or 

English soldier here paced his tedious rounds. Only the 

dilapidated officers' barracks, the little blockhouse and 

magazine remain. The latter is a genuine curiosity, built 

4* 



• 



I 



42 COIT COKRESPONDEN€E, 

of square blocks of beautiful white stone, brought all the 
way from old France. The fortification was surrounded 
by a moat into which the water of the river might with no 
great effort be turned to-day. The ancient di'awbridge is 
still represented by a few decaying timbers. 

We were specially indebted to Judge Cowley, of An- 
napolis, who conducted us to points of interest and showed 
us many courtesies. At the jail, we were shown into the 
poor debtor's room and into the dungeon, the latter being 
a small granite-walled cell with no ventilation. It was 
pleasant to be told that it is seldom used. 

To-morrow morning, at 5 o'clock, some 250 of us take 
the Windsor and Annapolis Railway, for Halifax. The 
distance is 124 miles. The fai'e for the round trip is $4.00 
in geenbacks. 

A. H. D 



A Trip to Halifax— Appearance of the Country— Acadia. 




Halifax, N. S., July 29, 1871. 

j^IVE o'clock in the morning," is all veiy pretty as 
Madame Parepa sings it, and the prosiest mortal 
would own it a charming sight to see "the mower 
whet his scythe " at that hour, on the Grand Pre ; 



COIT CORKESPONDENCE. 43 

but when one has been a Briton's guest until midnight, and 
has then written a letter to the Worcester Evening Gazette 
before going to bed, not all the nine muses can wake 
up his poetic sense at five o'clock in the morning. Yet 
that was the hour set for starting upon our ride through 
the Annapolis Valley. I had hardly got fairly asleep, 
when I began to hear a most insufferable drum-beat, de- 
moniac yells, and a roar as of battle. A vague notion 
possessed me that I had been drafted on Satan's side in al 
war with Heaven. Partially waking, an incoherent din of 
voices suggested Pandemonium. One anxious look from 
the state room window dispelled the horrible illusion, 
and revealed the ludicrous reality. There upon the wharf 
were the cars already going through with those interesting 
preliminaiy forward and backward movements in which 
<3ars are wont to indulga By means of a few dextrous 
thrusts and plunges, I was enabled to give almost immedi- 
ate pursuit, accompanied by some of my clothes. The cars 
started in ten minutes. ' 

We bowl along at a somewhat rapid rate towards Kent- 
ville, our first stopping place, 54 miles away. On our right 
and left, about equidistant, are parallel ranges of mountains 
running an easterly course nearly the whole length of the 
Province. Their green sides display frequent cultivated 
clearings and pasture lands. Their summits, nowhere ris- 
ing into peaks, are as even to the eye as an artificial wall. 
Between is the valley, from 10 to 30 miles wide; and by 







44 COIT COERESPONDENCE. 

our side for a considerable way flows Annapolis river. 
The whole area is under high cultivation, and to our en- 
chanted eyes looks like a magnificent garden. The neat 
and often vine-clad cottages, with then* trim fences and fine 
fruit-orchards, tell of a thrifty rural population. Dikes 
cross the meadows, dug by the Acadian peasants long, long 
ago. The landscape wears the look of June. The cherries 
are just ripening. The vast potato fields are almost gay 

ith white and pink blossoms — ominous, they say, of a 
prolific yield. Fields of wheat and oats display a rank 
growth, but have no heads yet to show. The haymakers 
are afield, busily cutting the grass, or tossing it to sun and 
spreading its fragrance, while all around thousands of hay- 
cocks dot the broad expanse. 

Man, however, lives partly by bread, for which beauty 
is no substitute, and we are at Kentville, impatient for 
breakfast. We are informed that there are seats at table 
for only ninety at a time ; so Mr. Glazier proceeds to bisect 
us, allowing one half of each individual to eat at the "fii-st 
table, and the other half at the second. This came near 
causing some ill feeling, and doubtless accounts for the fact 
that the proprietor, Mr. Sangster, charged us about double 
the usual rate. There had been a cii'cus the day before, 
and the " baked meats did coldly furnish forth " our table. 

Seven miles further on we pass Wolfville, the seat of 
Acadia College and of a young ladies' seminary, while an- 



COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 45 

other three bring us to the very spot where once stood 
the little village of Grand Pre. 

" Still stands the forest primeval ; but under the shade of its branches 
Dwells another race, with other customs and language. 
Only along the shores of the mournful and misty Atlantic 
Lingers a few Acadian peasants, whose fathers from exile 
"Wandered back to their native land, to die in its bosom." 

As we look out upon the beautiful Grand Pre, thousands 
of level acres unmarred by fence, we indignantly think 
on the terrible struggle which there took place one bitter 
winter morning a century ago, between English soldiers 
and the poor French peasants, when all the wounded were 
left to freeze to death. We build again in imagination 
the little church they loved, in which, treacherously de- 
coyed to hear the king's proclamation, they were all made 
prisoners, and required to choose between exile and allegi- 
ance to the second George. We like not to be reminded 
that the British commander. Gen. Winslow, was a Massa- 
chusetts man, of distinguished Puritan stock ; but we 
should expect to find him, later in life, a despicable loyal- 
ist ; and we do not grieve to know that when he was him- 
self an exile, he fled to the land he had desolated, to die, 
that his memory rots, and that his family name is extinct. 

Scarce a vestige of the little hamlet is now visible, 
though some two years ago, in making the road over 
which we pass, the workmen unearthed several hundred 



46 COIT CORKESPONDENCE. 

foundations of their cottages, even discovering the black- 
smith's sho]) by its heaps of cinders and bits of iron. 

On the southwest coast, by the misty Atlantic, is the 
township of Clare, to which such of the French as would 
take the oath of allegiance were assigned. We regret 
that our route does not take us there, where the 

"Maidens still wear their Norman caps and their kirtles of homespun, 
And by the evening fire repeat Evangeline's story." 

We must pass on ; but henceforth we see a lovelier pic- 
ture than before in these four lines of Longfellow : — 

"In the Acadian land on the shores of the Basin of Minas ; 
Distant, secluded, still, the little village of Grand Pre 
Lay in the fruitful valley. Yast meadows stretched to the eastward, 
Giving the village its name, and pasture to flocks without number. 

Moving on at a speed that has been gradually slacken- 
ing since we left Annaj)olis, we reach Windsor, a pretty 
little village, whose inhabitants showed theii* good will by 
treating us to cherries. Here is Kings College, the oldest 
university in Kova Scotia, and here are the famous Plaster 
Quarries. We stop long enough to take a drink "right 
off the plaster," and to attach the government locomotive 
to our train. We are now seventy-nine miles from 
Annapolis, forty-five from Halifax. Leaving the red clay 
of the meadows behind, we cross the carboniferous belt. 
Huge blocks of gypsum lie piled by the roadside. The 
neighboring hills are solid with it. You have only to tap 



COIT COERESPONDENCE. 47 

the turf. It is worth here, ready shipped, $1.00 a ton ; 
when ground in the States it sells for 110.00. The dark is 
used on land, stimulating growth by attracting moisture ; 
the light is boiled like hasty pudding, and becomes what 
is called calcined plaster, used extensively for fine plaster- 
ing, and in forming a strong and fire-proof cement. 

Away we go again, over deep ravines, through cuttings 
in the trap and granite, and presently behold a very para- 
dise of rocks ! This is the gold region. A flock of geese 
solemnly gazing between the stones over which they 
walked, we took to be metamorphosed gold-hunters ; pos- 
sibly they are holders of fancy stocks. I once was inter- 
ested in a Canada copper — ahem! who has not been? 
But I have burned my certificates. 

This sheet of water upon which we abruptly come, is 
Bedford basin, eight miles from Halifax, connecting 
by the narrows with Halifax harbor. We sweep 
around its left margin in a long circuit high above 
the water level. The view is grand. Costly mansions 
stand upon the shore, or look down from the bluffs above. 
High up on our right are the ruins of the Prince's Lodge, 
once the residence of Queen Victoria's father, the Duke of 
Kent. In front, near the water, still stands the Round 
House, where his band was stationed. For five miles now 
we approach the city between thick clusters of wild roses 
which border the road. Finally, about 1 o'clock, three 
hours behind time, we land in Richmond Depot. Some 



48 COIT CORKESPONDENCE. 

load down hacks, others break down horse cars and then 
trudge a mile and a half on foot through the heat and 
dust. All, however, keep good natui'ed ; and all, scrubbed 
and dusted, in due time, get good dinners at the Halifax, 
the International, the Waverly and elsewhere. 

Having got the Coits into a comfortable condition, I am 
very glad to clip my thread. 

A. H. D. 



At Halifax— Scenes and Incidents— Fort George and Other 
Interesting Objects— Off for St. John. 



St. John, N. B., July 30, 1871. 

[HIS letter will give you some gleanings from Hali- 
fax — ^the most English of the provincial cities. It 
was founded in 1 749, by the Lords of the Board 
of Trade, and named after the President, Gen. 
Montague, Earl of Halifax. It has ever since been the 
capital of Nova Scotia, — robbing that honor from An- 
napolis. Thirteen transports brought from England 2576 
emigrants, the nucleus of the present populaiion, which 




COIT COERESPONDENCE. 49 

counts about 40,000 souls. The sloop of war Sphinx led 
the way, bearing Colonel the Honorable Edward Corn- 
wallis as Captain General and Governor of $^ova Scotia. 
He afterwards presented a sword to Gen. Washington at 
Yorktown, a circuna^stance which will never be forgotten. 
His name is more pleasantly linked with Cornwallis 
County, the garden of the province. 

Immediately upon landing, the town was laid out in 
squares, with streets sixty feet wide. A fence of upright 
pickets or palisades enclosed the town, running up from 
two points in the harbor, with block houses at frequent 
intervals. The town of Dartmouth, on the opposite side 
of the harbor, began its career a year later,, in 1750, and in 
the year following some German settlers added themselves 
to the colony occupying the North End, now called Dutch 
Town, through which we came from the depot. So late 
as 1780 the streets were impassable for carriages by rear 
son of rocks and stumps. They have not yet attained the 
dignity and cleanliness which paving stones impart. 

Having dined, a delegation proceed to the government 

office, accompanied by Mr. Lunt, of the steamer JRothesay, 

of St. John, whose acquaintance our party made last year. 

Through his influence we were enabled to obtain from 

Captain Nagle, the town major, a pass to the citadel, 

signed with due formalities, for the whole Coit Family. 

Fort George, popularly called the Citadel, is a huge 

fortress, built upon a hill, towering high up behind the 

5 



50 COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 

city — in form like the frustum of a cone. Our proces- 
sion moved up a gentle slope that may be likened to 
George street, Worcester, directly through the town, until 
it passes the limit of houses ; then by a fine road we climb 
the steeper portion circuitously to the summit. Our pass 
being respected, we enter, and a surgeon is detailed to 
show us round. The interior is roomy enough to afford 
standing room at least for the whole resident population, 
and was originally designed to be a place of refuge for the 
citizens in time of danger. The barracks for men and 
officers occupy the central space and the sides of the inner 
work, which is separated from the outer one by a ditch 
fifty feet wide. 

We hasten to the toj), whose zigzag circuit of a half- 
mile bristles with gi-eat guns, 100, 200, 300 pounders — 
"devilish enginery." It is simply impossible to describe 
the view. It is magnificent, wonderful, stretching in vast 
extent to the far-off mountains which form almost a cir- 
cular wall, whose foundations, as Caesar says of the river 
Dubis, seem to have been traced by a pair of compasses. 
Their encircling arms tipt with headlands, like clenched 
fists, leave only a narrow entrance to the harbor south of 
the citadel. This McNabb's island partially fills, guarding 
it with guns weighing twelve tons and carrying 300 pound 
projectiles. Some " Infants " are soon expected from the 
Queen, whose play-ground may be the little solitary island 



COIT COEKESPONDENCE. 51 

called George's, within the harbor. As they toss balls 
weighing 600 lbs. their gambols will be amusing. 

We linger long in the cool, breezy atmosphere of our 
lofty station. North is Bedford Basin, covering ten square 
miles and able to hold the whole British Navy. Indeed, I 
doubt not that in the North East arm which is nine miles 
long and includes the Basin, the navies of the world 
might assemble in grand convention and be secure as 
sheep in a fold. West, across the harbor, one mile, the 
town of Dartmouth is tilted up so as to disj^lay all her 
charms, most conspicuous and central among which is the 
Lunatic Asylum, an imposing structure of freestone. 
East and South below is Halifax city, fringing the western 
side of the promontory on which it lies, for about four 
miles. Near the western extreme, we look down into the 
ancient dockyard, along whose granite wall a 'dozen feet 
high, our pedestrians paced a good half-mile on very empty 
stomachs. It contains military stores, workshops, ware- 
houses, officers' residences, &g., &g. The figure-head of 
the "Chesapeake," taken by the English cruiser "Shannon," 
is exhibited here along with other war trophies. Wheeling 
about, and looking west, a lofty edifice of striking archi- 
tecture arrests attention. It is the Poor Asylum, just 
finished at a cost of $260,000. Nearer, on the left, are 
the Public and Horticultural Gardens, containing an arti- 
ficial lake (with swans of course) and beautiful fountains. 
Of less extent than the Public Garden in Boston, the 



52 COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 

flowers were thought by our ladies to be choicer and of 
greater variety. Here were young ladies with bows and 
arrows and suspended quivers, beautiful as Diana and as 
gracefully habited, shooting at a target. Young ladies 
have ever been sharp-shooters ; but then- most dangerous 
shafts are invisible, and I trembled for our innocent young 
men. The Government Band, however, distracted atten- 
tion, somewhat, playing royally to music loyal ears. To 
the right lie spread out the "Commons," beautiful green 
meadows, too little graced and shaded with trees as yet. 
Here, in the spring, the ball-players and cricketers pursue 
their sports ; and here is the race course. 

But it is time to descend. So we take one last cii'cum- 
spective look and return to the city, well paid for coming 
to Halifax, even if we see nothing else. But in addition 
to the objects I have mentioned we visit the Court House, 
the Jail, with its inevitable poor debtors' cell, look at some 
ancient and some fine chm'ches, and finally visit the new 
Parliament Building and Province House. The former is 
the finest building in the city, and is really very splendid 
to look at. In the latter we visited, under the conduct of 
a polite usher, first the library, then the Legislative council 
chamber. It has seats for twenty-one members, who are 
chosen by the Crown. Here was the President's chaii* to 
sit in, and on the walls were some paintings to look at. 
The latter were very fine, including full length portraits of 
George II. and George IIL with their Queens, and of sever- 



COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 53 

al generals and judges. There was an especially rich pic- 
ture of William IV., standing with the royal ermine about 
him. He once served here as a midshipman, and when he 
became King not only sent this picture over, but released 
from service all his old comrades and provided hand- 
somely for them. Lastly we step for a moment into the 
House of Assembly — thirty-eight seats. In another 
moment we are on our way to the cars. We are off at 8 
p. M. ; we reach our steamer again at 2 a. m. It was a 
regular night frolic that we had, and needs a whole letter 
to describe it. Imagine us at two o'clock in the morning 
groping and jerking our way through the streets of 
Annapolis. Capt. Pike had taken our boat to another 
wharf, and another boat had come in. Some of our party 
therefore, found themselves on the wrong boat, disturbing 
the peace most effectually. Presently, however, quiet 
reigned. Two hours later the boat moved off toward St. 
John, at which place we arrived about eight o'clock, 
poking through the fog just as we did on another morning 
one year ago. 

A. H. D. 



5* 



54 COIT COREESPONDENCE. 

At St. John— The Yictoria Hotel— Arriyal at Eastport. 



Passamaquoddy House, 
Eastport, Me., August 1, 1871. 



} 



^iJlJjHE Coit family took its last departure at midniglit 
from St. John, and slept quietly at the Interna 
tional wharf, Eastport, for two hours, before the 
general resurrection and mustering for breakfast. 
We move again at 7 to-night. The weather is propitious 
for aquatic sports. A dance on board the boat is an- 
nounced for 3 p. M., in which the fair Down-Easters join. 
In fact it has already begun, and I, wishing to tell you 
something of St. John, have betaken myself here to 
escape the fascination. 

Our arrival at St. John was expected at a later hour, 
but the strains of " God Save the Queen " drew to the 
wharf a large crowd that gave u ■ lusty cheers of welcome. 
Many friends of last year greeted us, and renewed their 
courtesies. Every Coit was granted free access to the 
News Room during our stay, through a personal introduc- 
tion of the Coit officers by His Worship the Mayor. 
Robert Reed, Esq., merchant-, sent a polite invitation to 
visit his gardens and grounds on Mt. Pleasant^ very prop- 
erly excepting Sunday which in St. John is Puritanically 
kept. The ladies, too, did a graceful thing in sending 300 
tickets of admission to the Masonic Fair, Carleton, and 
thereby swelled the ranks of their admirers. 



COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 55 

But go and dine with me at the new Victoria Hotel, 
corner of Germain and Duke streets, the most conspicuous 
edifice in the city, viewed from the harbor. Its granite 
basement rising six feet from the street, is surmounted by a 
superstructure of five stories. Its architecture is Italian ; 
its walls are of brick relieved by ]"ustics, and covered with 
mastic. The ofiice fronts an imposing main entrance, and 
commands a view of all the public rooms on the first floor, 
which, including the dining hall, are covered with a mosaic 
pavement of white marble and red slate tiles. The dining 
hall, sixty feet long by forty wide, is finished with Corin- 
thian columns, between the sets of which twenty-two 
recesses are filled with plate glass mirrors eleven feet high. 
The niches between the columns are to be adorned with 
paintings. 

While enjoying our salmon and strawberry pie, Smith, 
of the Daily Telegraphy obligingly imparts information 
and answers inquiries. At an adjoining table sit the mem- 
bers of the Tyne crew, recently arrived from England, 
and soon to contend with the " Paris crew " of St. John, 
so called from their victory gained on the Seine, at the 
Great Exposition. They were beaten, however, last year, 
by the Tyne men at Lachine. We especially observe 
Renforth and Kelley, the former the best single oarsman 
in the world, the latter a champion oarsman, with a most 
brilliant record in English aquatic history — both publi- 
cans. Let us step now upon the steam elevator and go to 



56 COIT CORRESPOXDENCE. 

the roof. It takes one minute. The roof is gravelled 
and slopes slightly to the open central area. It is one 
hundi'ed feet above the street and supports two flagstaffs 
seventy feet high, one floating the Union Jack, the other 
the Stars and Stri^^es. 

We mount still higher into the observatory and com- 
mand a view of the entire city, with the harbor and 
environs. Running north is the famous Marsh Road, the 
great outlet of the city, built by government, and broad 
enough for five teams to drive abreast. From lack of re- 
pauing, it is become the worst road in the country, its 
foundations giving way, and its cavities made more un- 
sightly with poles erected as beacons to warn pedestrians 
and drivers from breaking their own or horses' necks. 
Parallel with this and along the banks of the Kennebec- 
casis river runs the Eastern extension of the Em'opean and 
North American Railway ; to the opening of whose west- 
ern extension in October President Grant has been invited, 
and which will make through connection via Bangor 
between St. John and Boston, On the Kennebeccasis 
the great race is to come off on the 23d of August between 
the "Renfoith" and "Paris" crews. 

In nearly the same direction is Mt. Pleasant or Reed's 
Castle, the favorite resort for picnics and bazaars, about a 
mile and a half from the city. East is Courtenay bay, the 
Penitentiary and the Orphan Asylum, brown stone edifices ; 
west is the harbor, with the granite Custom House near 



COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 57 

the water, and opposite are the parishes of Portland and 
Carleton, accesible by steam ferry boat. In this direction 
the mouth of the St. John is plainly visible, spanned by the 
suspension bridge, nearly an eighth of a mile long, from 
the falls beneath which the body of no drowned person 
has ever been recovered. 

The Carleton people are locally known as the Algerines. 
Nevertheless, Mr. E. D. Jewett, a wealthy American 
lumberman, has built a residence among them near the 
bridge, known as the finest wood house in New Brunswick. 
About one hundred yards from the Victoria, on the oppo- 
isite side of Germain street, the Academy of Music is build- 
ing which when done will conspire with the new hotel to 
make St. John the most attractive city in the provinces. 
The auditorium is to be 200x52 feet; its stage 50 feet 
square; its height, three stories; its finish, modern. 

Looking South we see Partridge island and Manawaga 
nish in the distance, and at our feet the old fort and bar- 
racks. There are no red coats there, and few ^^petti- 
coatSj' as we hear the kilted warriors styled. England is 
gradually taking all her soldiers away and leaving the 
provinces to rely on theii* own militia, the expense of 
maintaining which makes the Dominion people groan. 

Having traversed St. John pretty faithfully a year ago, 
we are content with this bird's-eye view for the most part. 
We go down by the stairway, on a tour of inspection 
through the house. Fine Brussels carpets cover all the 



58 COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 

rooms and corridors. The finish and upholstering are 
elegant throughout. In the Grand Saloon the splendor 
culminates. It extends along the whole front, and can be 
cut by folding doors into five parlors. Five crystal chan- 
deliers depend from the ceiling. The furnishing is in 
five beautiful styles. It contains a full grand piano, cost- 
ing IIOOO. The Victoria cost $200,000. The architects 
were the Messrs. Washburne & Son, Boston. It is o^Tied 
by a joint stock company in St. John, but its management 
is wholly American, from the lessee, Mr. B. T. Cregan, 
down through the whole corps of oflicers. Mr. S. W. Bal- 
com, formerly of Worcester, is the chief book-keeper, and 
was especially attentive to the Coits. The staif of servants 
numbers about eighty. The per diem charge for transient 
patrons is $2.50. The new hotel is likely to give a new 
impetus to the j)rosperity of St. John. The citizens are 
proud of it. It gives character to their city, and will enable 
it to monopolize provincial visitors, of whom there are 
now 1000 arriving in St. John weekly, by the International 
Steamship Line alone. 

A. H. D. 



COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 59 

Sunday in St. John— Ploughing a Down East Fog— Arriyal 

at Bangor. 




Bangor, August 3, 1871. 

N Saturday evening, at St. John, many of the Coits 
went to hear McQuade, in "Rip Van Winkle," and 
thought him equal to Jefierson. The majority, 
however, attended the social meeting on board the 
steamer, at which were present, besides members of the 
press, many ladies and gentlemen of St. John. Among 
the speakers were several clergymen of the city, O. D. 
Wetmore, Esq., a sagacious politician and eloquent tem- 
perance advocate, a Scotchman by the name of Barclay, 
from Glasgow, Mr. Irving, representing the Young Men's 
Christian Association, and W. K. Reynolds, the projector 
and builder of the Suspension Bridge. The speeches 
brimmed with fraternal sentiments, and flashed with wit. 
By some mistake too few orators were brought with us, 
but suitable responses were made. 

On Sunday morning a number of young men came on 
board, politely offering to escort any of our party to 
church, wherever they might wish to go. At eight a. m., 
a religious service was held in the saloon, and another at 
six p. M., on the hurricane deck, — the chaplains. Rev. 
Messrs. Beal and Boardman, officiating. In the latter 
service the great congregation united to make the harbor 



60 COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 

resound with "Hamburg" and ""Old Hundred," and the 
effect was fine. 

Monday dawned auspicious, but the steeds of the sun 
were recklessly driven, now dashing us with rain, and now 
flooding us with a sunburst. Yankee ingenuity was tested 
to shoot in between the showers, the pre-arranged pro- 
gramme for the day. The special attraction for the eve- 
ning, off the boat, was a concert at the Rink by the Brig- 
noli troupe. Brignoli was in his best voice and humor, 
Konconi was irresistibly comic, and Miss" McCulloch sang 
Flowtow's " Last Rose of Summer " divinely. It was cer- 
tainly worth the silver quarter's admission to see the inte- 
rior of the Rink. It is a circular, wooden building, 160 
feet in diameter, capable of seating 10,000 persons- 
Decked with flags and brilliantly lighted from pendent 
chandeliers and side jets, with a gaily dressed multitude 
promenading upon the floor, it is a fine sight to see. 

On board the boat meanwhile, a farewell social meeting 
of great interest occurred, marred only by the bad taste of 
one of the speakers, a Mr. Willis, M. P., of whom his 
friends were sufficiently ashamed. 

As we say our good byes, we feel ourselves attached to 
St. John, and mentally resolve to see it again. 

" Out into the West as the sun went down," 

on Tuesday evening, with flags flying and Quoddy bay 
resounding with the music of our band, the New Bruns- 



# 



COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 61 

wick moved from her moorings at Eastport. The wharves J 

and woodpiles bloom and flutter again with white handker- 
chiefs which we watch and respond to until they fade from 
sight. In ten minutes we are wrapped in a cold and dis- 
mal fog. We scatter from the hurricane decks and retreat 
within. The engineer slackens the speed, and the watch- 
man takes his place at the bows. Then we grope along 
through the night, which is made hideous by the momently 
recurring shriek of the whistle warning vessels from our 
path. It does not add to our comfort to know that our 
pilot is running solely by the compass. In Captain Pike, 
however, we have perfect confidence, and feel that, under 
Providence, we are safe in his hands. In the morning, 
darkness still covering the sea, and the region being peril- 
ous by reason of rocks, the Captain wisely orders the 
anchors to be cast out ; two hours later, the sun has tri- 
umphed and all the mist has disappeared ; then we go on 
again merrily. But the fog likes us, and we once more 
linger awhile in its embrace, yet struggling all the while 
to get away. At last we are in the waters of the beautiful 
Penobscot Bay. The fog pursues us no fmther. The 
river scenery charms all, and so does the sight of Bangor, 
which comes into view about ten o'clock. Here I quit 
the Coit excm'sion, led away, but not astray, by stronger 
attractions. 



A. H. D. 



6 



62 COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 

Halifax and St. John— Dry Goods and Wet Goods— Annexa- 
tion— Characteristics of the Dominion, 



Portland, Me., August 14, 1871. 

T is difficult to elect wisely tlie Jhreads which shall 
go into an epistolary web ; and the perplexity grows, 
when materials abound. The late Coit Excursion 
was prolific in incidents, as well as in objects of 
present and historic interest. From the surplus material, 
I venture to pick out the woof of another letter. 

Of all the places visited, the most memorable, when 
taken in connection with the overland ride through Nova 
Scotia, which led to it, is Halifax. The city is richer, 
shabbier, more antiquated than St. John. It is more 
grandly picturesque. If we had forgotten that Halifax is 
the chief naval station for British America, as we have 
forgotten so much the school mistress told us in the long 
ago, we can only plead that she was not a disciple of Pes- 
talozzi, that she did not take us up into the exceeding high 
mountain behind the city and show us the magnificent 
harbor ; for one look from the citadel would have im- 
pressed the fact past all forgetting. The inhabitants, like 
the Bostonians, have their "South End," where modish 
houses and genteel surroundings give hints of "Hub"-ish 
culture ; and their "North End", too, suggesting broader 
ones of a common bond in beastliness. The great export 



COIT COEEESPONDENCE. 63 

is fish — coal and lumber finding their exit mainly at Pictou 
and Annapolis. Paradoxically speaking, it may be said 
that the people of Halifax live chiefly on pickled herrings 
shipped to the States. But one article is exported to 
the mother country, and that is — deals. A spruce affair, 
twelve feet long, nine inches wide and three inches thick — 
that is the "standard deal." With this exception the 
trade of the Nova Scotians is with the United States and 
West Indies. After the opening of the European and 
North American Railway, in October, Halifax may loom 
into some importance as the point of "new departure" of 
American travel for Europe — cutting off, as it will, two or 
three days from the sea voyage. At all events, it is a fine 
old city, of which more might be made. 

St. John is less wealthy, but more enterprising. She is 
the commercial capital of the Province. Here, too, fish is 
king ; and " by this sign " she hopes to conquer. Indeed, 
the corner stone of provincial gi'eatness is laid upon 
"banks and shoals" of fishes. 

The decision of the late Joint High Commission imperils 
this piscatorial foundation, the Province people think. 
They are sore about the result, and heartily repent that 
they brought forward their little matter to pester the 
august tribunal. They do not care, they say, to fish in our 
impoverished waters; that the right to fish in theirs, 
which are inexhaustible, gives Americans the long end of 
the lever. Fleets from Cape Cod and Gloucester, fitted 



64 COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 

out by Boston capital and offering hard competition, no 
doubt torment their imaginations. It is no wonder. 
These have akeady robbed Eastport of her fishy flavors, 
leaving her only an idle place of summer resort. As an 
offset to our use of their finer fishing grounds, the Cana- 
dians claim that their lumber and coal should be admitted 
to om' 2^01'ts free of duty. But this might disappoint 
" gi'eat expectations " in Pennsylvania. 

St. John offers special attractions as it seems to me, for 
a summer sojom'n. It is a good headquarters for branch 
excursions — to say nothing of charms in and about itsel£ 
Then board must be cheap where the finest cuts^ of beef 
are but sixteen cents a pound, and chickens sell for twenty- 
five cents a pair at Christmas. But if particularly intent 
on reducing expenses, you have only to seek a tailor and 
let him fit you with clothes enough to last you until you 
come again. 

If determined that your trip shall cost you nothing, it 
will be necessary to buy a few dresses and laces for jonr 
wife, at about half the home cost. No lady can visit St. 
John without bringing away pleasant memories, at least, 
of its dry goods houses. The largest of these in the retail 
line, and the most fashonable is Magee Brothers, Nos. 1 and 
2 Imperial Buildings, corner of King and Prince William 
streets. Here, made and unmade, is to be found every- 
thing a lady can wear, — boots and jewelry excepted; and 
here Monsiem* Hammondi, costum,ie7', not only measurers. 



COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 65 

cuts and fits, but keeps an eye on sixty or seventy dress- 
makers. Here are produced the bridal trousseaux which 
grace the grand weddings of the Dominion, for the fame of 
Magees' has gone through the Provinces. A thousand 
dozen kid gloves are always kept in reserve ; and the 
maker of the Josephine (seamless) kid has a standing order 
to send to this firm all he can spare. The goods are dis- 
played and sold entirely by young meii, thirty or forty in 
number. The firm is 35 years old, and the senior partner, 
in the prosecution of its business, has crossed the Atlantic 
more than 80 times. I have gone thus into details, because 
I think the dry goods houses of St. John constitute a 
noticeable feature, — the only one perhaps in which she 
eclipses her sister cities of like size in New England. 

The question coming oftenest to the surface of every- 
day speech in the Provinces, which the stranger hears dis- 
cussed everywhere, is annexation. It is not easy however, 
to discover what the people themselves want. One will 
tell you the majority are /or, another that it is overwhelm- 
ingly against the project. The truth seems to be that politi- 
cal thought in the Dominion is in a transtition state, wait- 
ing for " something to turn up." If England would dis- 
close her intentions respecting the Provinces, the 
proposition would be simplified. At present, I am told 
opposition to annexation is not based on any conviction 
regarding material thrift, but is a matter of pure sentiment. 

Mr. Wetmore (himself an annexationist, I believe) finely 

6* 



66 COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 

expressed the feeling which, no doubt, pervades many 
provincial breasts, when he said in the saloon of the 
steamer JVew JBrujiswiek : " It is not necessary for the 
sake of paltry rhetoric to throw away one bit of om* patriot- 
ism. We love our country, and we greet you no less cor- 
dially because we extend to you British hands." This is 
all natural and right. Our forefathers were aglow with 
the same sort of sentiment before it was spanked out and 
stamped out with the maternal slipper. It does not seem 
likely that we shall importune the Provinces to become 
states of the Republic ; but if in the progress of events 
they shall desire to link their destinies with ours, I trust 
we shall give them a hearty welcome. 

The Dominion of Canada is about four years old. Al- 
ready the Confederation is without harmony and unpopular. 
It is 23articulai:ly distasteful to Xova Scotia. Indeed, no- 
where in the Provinces we visited does there appear to be 
any loya'ty to the Dominion as such, corresponding to 
that devotion to the Union among us, which is its safe- 
guard and strength. The parts are indiiferent to the whole. 
They are held together by clumsy carpentry, not by living 
processes of organic growth. Consequently there is no 
enthusiasm — nothing akin to a national spirit, among the 
people. The notion that they belong to the Dominion of 
Canada seems vague and unfamiliar, and the name has no 
magic in it. 

In the Provinces farther north and west, there is a furor 



COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 67 

for independence, finding some sympathy throughout the 
Dominion. Men are dazzled with visions of a grand em- 
pire bounded by three oceans, and wait impatiently the 
snapping of the leading strings which have become " atten- 
uated to cobwebs." It is likely that the child will soon go 
alone ; and not unlikely, I think, that in some crisis of 
croup or teething it may be turned over to the United 
States as to a sort of Children's Home. 

A. H. D. 



( 



Dear Mr. Mecorney: 

You '11 wonder, 

Perhaps, why I write you to-day. 
But there 's something I want to tell you, 

So do excuse me, I pray ; 
I hear there 's to be a reunion 

In the old town of Worcester to-night, 
And that hosts of the Coits are expected, 

To be^there early and bright, 
At least, that they 've all invitations — 

Though you didn't send any to me,* 
I am sure, though, 'twas because you forgot it, 

Because I 'm a Coit you see ! 
So I sha'n't treasure up any malice. 

But send you right off by the mail, 
A good, hearty, old-fashioned hand-shake, 

And I hope " Uncle Sam " will not fail 
To have it get there before evening ; 

For I want all the family by ; 
And I want you to read them this message 

1 send them — I hope you'll all try, 
All the fathers and mothers and children. 

The sweethearts and husbands and wives — 
To have just the pleasantest evening 

That ever you had in your lives. 
And don't be too saving of money, 

You won't miss it a month or two hence ; 
But have plenty of apples and doughnuts, 

And candy — don't mind the expense! 



*CoLLEGE HiLi., Dec. 28. 
I must beg ten thousand pardons — 

Your polite invitation just came, 
Since I wrote the above ; you '11 excuse me, 

If I let it remain, all the same. 



COIT CORRESPONDENCE. ^9 

And if there should be any others 

Who 're absent this evening, like me, 
Do n't forget to drink our healths — will you ? 

In a cup of old-fashioned Bohea. 

Though not there, I shall hear you all talking 

About our excursion last Fall ; 
And the beautiful places we went to — 

Bangor, Portland, Eastport, and all 
Those old British towns where they made us 

So welcome, and hoped we 'd all come 
And pay them a visit next summer, 

And all make ourselves quite at home; 
I think with what fond recollection — 

Of all the bright faces we met : — 
Their thousand kind words and attentions 

Live warm in our memory yet. 
But I mourn that my purse was so empty ; 

Their laces and silks were such loves — 
And I long shall regret that I did n't 

Buy a dozen more pair of their gloves ! 
Let it pass though ! 

I want to hear something 

About the Coit family — come ! 
Do tell me just how you've been lately, 

And how all your folks are at home ! 
Who of you are going to be married ? 

Our family circle 's so wide 
There '11 be surely some weddings among you. 

So pray don't be bashful, and hide 
The dear little secret, but tell me 

All about it, — quick, just whisper it low ; 
I '11 keep it, all snug, to myself. 

And nobody else shall know ! 

I hear some among you have flitted 
And gone from the old parent-nest, 



{ 



70 COIT CORRESPONDENCE. 

And that others are gathering their treasures 

And will soon be away to the West. 
But what of the rest ? — Who among you, 

Like me, sit at home by yourselves ? 
Who are dancing away the cold winter? 

Who are laid on Society's shelves ? 
There 's one, a small maiden of twenty. 

Perhaps you'll remember her name. 
From a classic retreat overlooking 

The "Hub" of the Nation she came. 
She is sunning that mantle of velvet, 

She bought of the Briton Magee, 
In the land of the dark-eyed Italians, 

And is far away over the sea, 
But I '11 send her your kind invitation : 

She will give it a sigh of regret, 
And remember the days of last summer. 

Which none of us, Coits, can forget. 

I think, now, I 've finished my message. 

And nothing is left me to do. 
But to send you a thousand good wishes, 

And one and all, bid you, " Adieu ! " 



C. M. Sawyer. 



The Coits 



BY MRS. C. M. SAWYER. 



Merrily sailed the merry Coits 

Along the coast of Maine ; 
The waves rolled high, the fog lay low, 

And drearily fell the rain ; 
But spite of the waves, and spite of the fog, 
And spite of the rainy weather, 
You never met 
A merrier set 
As they sailed along together. 

Merrily sang the merry Coits 

Upon the dark sea waters ; 
There were sons of many a gallant state. 

With Massachusetts' daughters. 
Contralto, tenor, sounding bass. 

And sweet and clear soprano ; 
Their strains above the ocean rang 

Like songs along the Arno ; 
And spite of the waves, and spite of the fog, 

And spite of the wind and weather, 
You never met 
A merrier set 

As they sailed along together. 

Merrily danced the merry Coits 

In seaport, town and city ; 
And many the welcomes they received 

In speeches grave or witty ; 



72 COIT CORKESPONDENCE. 

Fair Portland, Bangor — wheresoe'r 

Our e^gle spreads his pinions, 
Or waves aloft the English flag 

In Britain's proud dominions — 
The words were kind, the clasp was warm, 

The smile was bright and beaming, — 
O, well they knew how much was true — 
How little of it seeming ! 
^ So spite of the waves, and spite of the fog, 

And spite of the wind and. weather^ 
You never met 
A merrier set 
As the Coits sailed on together^ 



